The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced three major schemes for potato farmers for the financial year 2026–27, aimed at reducing the financial pressure associated with falling market prices, cold-storage charges and the cost of quality potato seed. A dedicated online portal has also been launched for farmers to apply for the benefits. Importantly, applications will be accepted only online; offline applications will not be considered.
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a package of measures covering different stages of potato production and marketing. The three initiatives focus on:
Farmers can check scheme details, eligibility and the application process through the official UP Potato Scheme Portal.
To protect potato growers from sharp price declines during periods of excess production, the government has established a ₹1,000 crore Bhamashah Price Stabilization Fund. An initial token provision of ₹100 crore has been made for the scheme. The production cost of potatoes will be determined by a committee headed by the Agriculture Production Commissioner. Eligible farmers will then receive assistance based on the lower of:
How Much Assistance Can Farmers Receive?
The scheme is intended to provide a financial cushion when market prices fall significantly below the determined production cost.
Online Application Mandatory:
Farmers seeking benefits under the scheme must apply online. The government has clarified that offline applications will not be accepted. The specified implementation periods are: January 1 to April 15, July 1 to October 31. A buyer-seller agreement document will also be required to claim the benefit. Farmers can sell their produce through mandis, sub-mandis, cold-storage premises or their own farms, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.
Relief for Potatoes Stored in Private Cold Storages:
The second initiative addresses the cost of storing potatoes in private cold storages. The state has introduced a ₹1,000 crore scheme for relief on storage charges, with an initial ₹100 crore token provision. Under the scheme, eligible farmers will receive assistance of ₹100 per quintal, subject to a maximum benefit of ₹20,000 per farmer. According to the government, more than 15 lakh farmers are expected to benefit from the cold-storage assistance.
Up to ₹1,000 per Quintal Discount on Improved Potato Seed:
The third initiative focuses on making improved and high-quality potato seed more affordable for farmers. A ₹5 crore seed sale-price discount scheme has been introduced. Farmers purchasing departmental foundation potato seed can receive a discount of up to ₹1,000 per quintal. The measure is expected to reduce production costs and encourage farmers to use improved planting material. More than 15,000 farmers are expected to benefit from this initiative.
Three Schemes Target Key Challenges Faced by Potato Growers:
How Can Farmers Apply?
Farmers must use the online portal potato.uphorticulture.in to apply for the relevant scheme. Before submitting an application, they should carefully check the eligibility requirements, required documents, sale-related conditions and applicable application period.
FAQs:
1. What are the three schemes for potato farmers in UP?
The three schemes provide price stabilization assistance, cold-storage charge relief and discounts on improved potato seed.
2. How much cold-storage assistance is available?
Eligible farmers can receive ₹100 per quintal, up to a maximum of ₹20,000 per farmer.
3. How much discount is available on potato seed?
Farmers can get a discount of up to ₹1,000 per quintal on departmental foundation potato seed.
4. Is online application mandatory?
Yes. Applications must be submitted online, and offline applications will not be accepted.
5. Where can farmers apply?
Farmers can apply through the UP Potato Scheme Portal at potato.uphorticulture.in.
